Finally: Basilan ‘ASG-free’

**media[19556]**PEACE BY PEACEJune 9 was a very special day for the people of Basilan, as the island-province, which has gained notoriety over the years for being the stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), was officially declared as “ASG-Free.”As Special Assistant to the President Sec. Antonio Lagdameo and I disembarked from the chopper and walked toward the site of the program, we immediately sensed the positive change that is sweeping across Basilan.From the festive atmosphere, to the beautiful smiles and the warm reception we received from local officials and residents, we felt that the province is finally shedding its war-torn image as it undergoes a remarkable transformation.This amazing turnaround also took concrete form in the 329 loose firearms — composed mostly of high-powered rifles — that were voluntarily surrendered by individuals to local government units and the security sector. This is on top of the more than 550 firearms that have been turned in when President Marcos graced the Peace Monument in the Sampikit complex last year.The turnover of these unlicensed weapons was facilitated by the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program, which is being implemented by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.Critical to the successful implementation of the SALW Program is the support coming from the Provincial Local Government of Basilan, members of the security sector, and community leaders who have worked tirelessly to take these firearms off the streets.As context, Basilan was totally different more than 20 years ago. I was assigned in Basilan from 2000 to 2002 as a former commander of the First Scout Ranger Battalion. It was at the height of the kidnap-for-ransom crisis where the militant groups abducted several teachers and killed a Catholic priest. At the same time, we were also running after the members of the MILF in an “All-out-War” Campaign.Ten years later, I came back as the commander of the 104th Brigade from 2012 to 2014 to thwart the escalation of armed conflict in the island province, and finally, as the chief of the Western Mindanao Command based in Zamboanga City in 2017. I consider the turnover of such a huge cache of weapons as a major victory for the province.Years ago, at the height of the government’s battle with the ASG and other lawless elements, it would have been unimaginable for residents to give up their firearms. But the day has finally come when they no longer see the need to hold on to these weapons.With each firearm turned over to authorities, the people of Basilan are sending a clear and powerful message to all that owning a weapon is no longer a necessity and must, therefore, be given up.Sec. Lagdameo hit the nail on the head when he noted in his message of support that the surrender of these weapons is the result of years of sustained operations, tireless intelligence work, and collaboration among stakeholders.He stressed that through this partnership between “the national government, local leaders, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and most importantly, the communities who refused to surrender,” Basilan is now finally free from the scourge of the infamous terror group.Sec. Lagdameo pointed out that this milestone would not have been possible without the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform, as well as others who put their lives on the line and paid the ultimate price to bring peace and security to the province.“You chose peace. You opened doors for reintegration, for healing, and for rebuilding lives. [You have shown] that terrorism cannot thrive when communities are strong, vigilant, and empowered,” Sec. Lagdameo said.Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman could not hold back his emotions when he recalled in his remarks how the ASG had wrought havoc on his beloved hometown and used the province as the base of its operations.But the extremist organization, which was also responsible for the 2017 Marawi siege, was no match for the indomitable spirit of Basileños who refused to back down and demonstrated extraordinary courage, determination, and resilience.The good governor also recounted the time when we worked together to construct the Circumferential Road, a big-ticket infrastructure project which was completed through the collective efforts of all stakeholders.For Lamitan Mayor Roderick Furigay, the turnover of the more than 300 loose firearms is a testament of the people of Basilan’s desire to put an end to the cycle of violence and bring long-lasting peace and genuine development to the province.“Today we mark not just the end of conflict but the beginning of a new chapter of peace, unity, and prosperity for our province,” the mayor said, adding, “This milestone is a testament to the courage of our people, the dedication of our security forces, and the unity of our leaders.”And in a statement, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua described the declaration of Basilan as AGG-free as “the beginning of a new era rooted in peace, unity, and collective courage.”Chief Minister Macacua lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the strong leadership he has shown and for leading the implementation of peace and security initiatives that have been instrumental in advancing the Bangsamoro peace process.The Chief Minister likewise commended Sec. Lagdameo, Gov. Salliman and Congressman Mujiv Hataman for faithfully carrying out their mandate to ensure the welfare and uplift the living conditions of the people of Basilan.He also thanked the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Basilan Provincial Police Office, the Western Mindanao Command led by Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarete, and the 101st Infantry Brigade under Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon for their sacrifices and hardwork.According to the Chief Minister, the courage and high level of professionalism shown by members of the security sector “have played a pivotal role in restoring peace and normalcy in the province.”The ongoing transformation of Basilan from being an armed conflict hotspot to becoming a zone of peace and development is a result of the whole-of-nation, whole-of-society approach being employed by the national government.It is through this integrated and concerted approach that we will be able to effectively address the threat of violent extremists and other lawless elements and fully transform once conflict-ridden areas into show windows of peace and development.The event last Monday was in response to President Marcos’s guidance to turn Basilan from once tainted by violence and terrorism as an epicenter of peace and development.Finally, Basilan is now ASG-Free. Vigilance should still remain!(Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., is the presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation and unity.)